Ramona and Her Father

Seven-year-old Ramona Quimby's world is turned upside-down when her father unexpectedly loses his job. Things grow tense in the Quimby house, but Ramona resolves to help in any way she can--even downsizing her Christmas list. But with bills piling up and her parents constantly stressed, Ramona wonders if life will ever go back to normal.

Beverly Cleary's Newbery Honor Book depicts an average middle-class family dealing with the realities of life. With the perfect mix of humor and warmth, Ramona shines as a spirited girl with her heart set on helping.

Ramona Quimby: [Watching a commercial, reciting the slogan] "Royal Peanut Butter: There's a bit of magic in every jar"!
Bob Quimby: Is that one of your favorites? That's the rack we gotta get you into, 'cause those TV kids make millions.
Ramona Quimby: Beezus, do you think I could be in a commercial like that?
Beezus: [Fixing Ramona's hair with a curling iron] Sure, you'd make a great frog.
Ramona Quimby: Hey!
Beezus: Hold still. I'm almost done.
Ramona Quimby: It's picture-perfect, right?
Beezus: Let's be realistic, Ramona. This is a curling iron, not a magic wand.
[She puts the curling iron down and holds up a mirror for Ramona to see what her new hairdo looks like]
Beezus: But, all things considered, I'd say you've never looked better.
Ramona Quimby: I love it! Thanks, Beezus!

SAPPHIREBEAR15
Jun 26, 2012

Bob Quimby: So, Beezus, suppose I told you that when I pulled up by the house tonight I saw your old buddy Henry staring at it like he left something important inside of it.
Dorothy Quimby: Henry Huggins? I haven't heard that name in a while. Isn't he the boy that used to eat dirt in the backyard?
Bob Quimby: Yeah.
Beezus: He doesn't do that anymore!
Bob Quimby: Ooh, if I didn't know better, I'd say somebody's got a crush.
Beezus: Can we please talk about something else?
Dorothy Quimby: Well, there is that dance coming up. Maybe he wants to ask you to it.
Bob Quimby: Well, if he's gonna ask my daughter to dance, he better have some moves. Can the old dirt-eater do this?
[Mr. Quimby starts dancing very badly. Ramona and Mrs. Quimby laugh]
Beezus: [Embarrassed. Playfully throws a towel at Mr. Quimby] Oh, I hope not! Stop! Mom!

I just reread the Ramona series, one of my favorites from childhood. I was happy to see that they hold up and are as great as ever. I love Ramona and her family, Howie, Willa Jean, and Susan. Ramona and Her Father is my favorite. The new illustrations are a great update as well.

Summary

This book is about Ramona who tries to solve her father's problem. Ramona's father has lost his job due to some sitution. Beezus (Ramona's big sister) who is upset with creative writing, Ramona's mother who is always tensed, and Pussy, the cat who doesn't eat cat food. All these problems are occurring to the family but Ramona is trying to support his dad and her family in any way which reaches to a success.

SAPPHIREBEAR15
Jun 26, 2012

Ramona is well into her second grade year at Glenwood School, and all is going well until one day her father comes home and announces he has lost his job. The Quimbys must now cope with the breadwinner searching for another job, filling out job applications and collecting unemployment insurance. Mrs. Quimby goes to work full time, but things are still very tight for the family. Mr. Quimby gets depressed and Mrs. Quimby tells the children that they must not do anything that would further upset their dad.
Ramona wants to help, so she crosses almost everything off her wish list for Christmas. Then she adds one more item - a happy family. But will her wish come true? The Quimby's are also dealing with the family's temperamental car, Beezus' problems with creative writing, and Ramona's efforts to get her father to stop smoking. One day when Ramona worries about the family, Mr. Quimby reassures her the Quimbys will always be together and strong, no matter what happens.
That Christmas Beezus and Ramona participate in their church's Christmas pageant. Beezus is to be the Virgin Mary and Ramona decides that she and her friends Howie and Davy should be sheep. Unfortunately, her Mother doesn't have time to sew a costume so Ramona has to wear a pair of old pajamas, which she hates. In the end, the sheep steal the show and Ramona and her family share a wonderful night together.